From Congress to Cameo: The Reinvention of Matt Gaetz

For Matt Gaetz, leaving Congress was less a career-ending move than a transition to a new stage. Since stepping down, the former Florida representative has embraced a role that blends political celebrity and digital entrepreneurship, offering personalized video messages on Cameo for a fee.

On the surface, Gaetz’s move into the world of paid shoutouts might seem unremarkable—yet another public figure monetizing their fame. But his decision underscores a broader shift in American politics: the transformation of public office into a launchpad for personal branding.

Gaetz has marketed his Cameo services with the same bravado that characterized his political career. His videos—punctuated with his trademark mix of defiance and humor—target not only his base but also his critics, who he seems eager to provoke. For his supporters, the videos are a way to connect with a figure they admire; for Gaetz, they represent a lucrative outlet in the absence of congressional clout.

Yet the move has also drawn criticism. To some, it epitomizes the blurring of lines between governance and entertainment. “This is what politics has become,” one commentator lamented. “It’s not about policy or public service—it’s about staying in the spotlight, whatever the cost.”